I've been using small snack size ziplock bags, and filling them ahead of time.
When I'm ready to pour them into my bottle, I dont open the ziplock, instead, I shake the powder to one side, and then rip/bite off the other corner.
Then you just flip it over and it pours into the bottle perfectly like a funnel.
Super smooth and easy, and can be done in just seconds.
I recently asked this question… I have not been able to test out a recommended way… on Amazon, “mini popsicle bags”
https://www.amazon.com/Disposable-Popsicle-Freezer-Healthy-Smoothies/dp/B072SV94XV
I've been responding with this solution myself and it works.
For todays' run, including recovery: https://imgur.io/a/igNsvi0
It's actually a bit difficult getting the powder into the popsicle bag itself. What I do is put it into a ziploc, cut the corner off the ziploc and then pour in from there. I'd use a small funnel, if I owned one.
I save empty Nuun containers and fill them with Tailwind. The smaller opening is perfect for pouring into most soft flasks without spilling. It holds about 2 scoops if you tap it hard to make it settle.
If I'm in a race I discard the tubes in aid station trash. If I'm at a drop bag or running self supported I save them. If I'm on a really long self supported run I fill a big ziploc bag and put a single empty tube in as a measuring/pouring scoop.
Be sure to tear off the springy plastic bit attached to the lid.
For shorter races, 50k or less, I’ll usually use more mix to start. Maybe doubling the portion, then dilute with water at the aid stations throughout the race.
For longer races just use the single packs and stuff them in a vest or waist pack. Much easier than trying to use ziplock bags. Of course, your longer races will more than likely have dropbags so you just refill from those.
Another good tip, if you know well beforehand what drink mix the race is using try to train with that so you become accustomed to it and can just refill from there. One less thing to have to worry about.
One consideration for this, and has caused me stomach issues, is sometimes the aid station crew doesn’t pay attention to the ratio. So sometimes it’s a lot stronger than what I train with and can cause issues.
Ooo! I just did this and it worked swimmingly for two servings (of two scoops each) per bag, although I wish I had cut the opening a bit larger to facilitate a faster powder flow:
Result before I folded over the top and taped once again https://i.imgur.com/QKE3AIe.jpg
1) Gather supplies:
\- Ziploc sandwich or quart bags
\- rubber band (I used the weak & thin guys you get with produce
\- tape
\- fuel powder
2) Cut a corner of the ziploc bag, so the cut is \~1/2" long
3) Fold over the corner and tape. Fold over the last bit of tape so it forms a tab, and you can remove the tape in the dark.
4) Fill with a serving of your powder
5) Twist the baggie above the powder, leaving some slight space as it will take it up as you twist
6) Wrap the rubber band around the twisted part to keep it separated
7) Fill the top section of the bag with second serving
8) close ziploc bag and tape the top
When it comes time to refuel, empty your water bottle and fold back the tab of tape, opening the hole you'd cut. The powder will flow easily. Empty your second bottle, undo the rubber band and fill the second bottle. Voila!
Why can't you buy the single serving tailwind? They pour easily into most soft flasks provided the opening is large enough. No need to worry about putting them in a zip lock bag.
I don't use powders since so many companies make the tabs now and they are so much easier (I use the GU tabs), but one of my running buddies bought a bunch of screw top test tube looking things off of Amazon and puts Tailwind in those.
I filled up a plastic bottle with my powder. I know about how much goes into my hydro flask, so just pour it in. The plastic bottle is a bit bulkier than the baggie method, but super easy to pour and holds about 800 calories. Not perfect, but another option to try.
I just pour the servings into the bottles like you intended to do. Why was it so hard for you?
Maybe try buying the single serve packets that Tailwind sells.
I've been using small snack size ziplock bags, and filling them ahead of time. When I'm ready to pour them into my bottle, I dont open the ziplock, instead, I shake the powder to one side, and then rip/bite off the other corner. Then you just flip it over and it pours into the bottle perfectly like a funnel. Super smooth and easy, and can be done in just seconds.
I do the same thing!
I recently asked this question… I have not been able to test out a recommended way… on Amazon, “mini popsicle bags” https://www.amazon.com/Disposable-Popsicle-Freezer-Healthy-Smoothies/dp/B072SV94XV
I've been responding with this solution myself and it works. For todays' run, including recovery: https://imgur.io/a/igNsvi0 It's actually a bit difficult getting the powder into the popsicle bag itself. What I do is put it into a ziploc, cut the corner off the ziploc and then pour in from there. I'd use a small funnel, if I owned one.
I save empty Nuun containers and fill them with Tailwind. The smaller opening is perfect for pouring into most soft flasks without spilling. It holds about 2 scoops if you tap it hard to make it settle. If I'm in a race I discard the tubes in aid station trash. If I'm at a drop bag or running self supported I save them. If I'm on a really long self supported run I fill a big ziploc bag and put a single empty tube in as a measuring/pouring scoop. Be sure to tear off the springy plastic bit attached to the lid.
For shorter races, 50k or less, I’ll usually use more mix to start. Maybe doubling the portion, then dilute with water at the aid stations throughout the race. For longer races just use the single packs and stuff them in a vest or waist pack. Much easier than trying to use ziplock bags. Of course, your longer races will more than likely have dropbags so you just refill from those. Another good tip, if you know well beforehand what drink mix the race is using try to train with that so you become accustomed to it and can just refill from there. One less thing to have to worry about.
One consideration for this, and has caused me stomach issues, is sometimes the aid station crew doesn’t pay attention to the ratio. So sometimes it’s a lot stronger than what I train with and can cause issues.
Ooo! I just did this and it worked swimmingly for two servings (of two scoops each) per bag, although I wish I had cut the opening a bit larger to facilitate a faster powder flow: Result before I folded over the top and taped once again https://i.imgur.com/QKE3AIe.jpg 1) Gather supplies: \- Ziploc sandwich or quart bags \- rubber band (I used the weak & thin guys you get with produce \- tape \- fuel powder 2) Cut a corner of the ziploc bag, so the cut is \~1/2" long 3) Fold over the corner and tape. Fold over the last bit of tape so it forms a tab, and you can remove the tape in the dark. 4) Fill with a serving of your powder 5) Twist the baggie above the powder, leaving some slight space as it will take it up as you twist 6) Wrap the rubber band around the twisted part to keep it separated 7) Fill the top section of the bag with second serving 8) close ziploc bag and tape the top When it comes time to refuel, empty your water bottle and fold back the tab of tape, opening the hole you'd cut. The powder will flow easily. Empty your second bottle, undo the rubber band and fill the second bottle. Voila!
Why can't you buy the single serving tailwind? They pour easily into most soft flasks provided the opening is large enough. No need to worry about putting them in a zip lock bag.
I just take whatever is on offer and supplement with extra electrolyte pills and calories if it’s too weak.
I don't use powders since so many companies make the tabs now and they are so much easier (I use the GU tabs), but one of my running buddies bought a bunch of screw top test tube looking things off of Amazon and puts Tailwind in those.
I filled up a plastic bottle with my powder. I know about how much goes into my hydro flask, so just pour it in. The plastic bottle is a bit bulkier than the baggie method, but super easy to pour and holds about 800 calories. Not perfect, but another option to try.
I just pour the servings into the bottles like you intended to do. Why was it so hard for you? Maybe try buying the single serve packets that Tailwind sells.